This article originally ran as an exclusive in SyFy Wire on June 15, 2018

Today we present “Black Panther: Character Model,” a limited-edition fine art lithograph matted on premium foam core and made available exclusively through Alex Ross Art. This striking tri-part portrait of the King of Wakanda will premiere at San Diego Comic-Con on July 18, 2018 for the price of $50 each.

Since springing out of the imaginations of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and into the pages of Fantastic Four #52 in 1966, Black Panther has remained one of the best-loved characters in the company's rich stables, and was further magnified by Ryan Coogler's impressive feature film this year starring Chadwick Boseman.

This simmering illustration by Alex Ross was originally composed for Marvels, the classic 1994 book from Alex Ross and Kurt Busiek. Ross' character model served as a reference guide for how to draw the iconic superhero in multiple positions. In his evocative piece, Ross highlights a noble unmasked Panther, a feral crouching pose, and a tight charismatic headshot.

These fine art prints are all hand-numbered and include a Certificate of Authenticity. They measure 14 1/2" x 15 1/2" and are part of a total edition size of 500. Fans hoping to score one of these brooding Black Panther lithos are encouraged to join the waitlist at Alex Ross Art.

Here's what Alex Ross has to say about the new Black Panther Piece:

"With Black Panther, you want to get more into his world, his experience, and who he represents. In the comics I was growing up with in the '70s, he was used to represent the black experience in America. My first Black Panther comic I got, when I was seven, was him fighting against a version of the KKK. That's a comic I got as a seven-year-old. And I thought Black Panther was really cool. Connecting with these characters can introduce you to a larger part of the world, make you relate more, and, frankly, be more empathetic."

Check out this exclusive video with Alex Ross in his home studio below, discussing his memories and interpretations of Black Panther, then let us know if you'll strike swiftly and grab one of these poignant posters for yourself before they leap off the shelves.